Miss Earth England 2009

The borough's own eco beauty has been crowned Miss Earth England and is now setting her sights on the world title.

It was a dream come true for 19-year-old Kirsty Nichol, who lives near the Angel, Islington, when she won the title of Miss Earth England 2009, sponsored by Club4Climate, in Pentonville Road, Islington.

She will now represent England in the Miss Earth competition in the Philippines on November 8.

The winner will act as the spokes-woman for the Miss Earth Foundation and the United Nations Environment Programme as well as other environ-mental organisations.

She said: "It is the largest modelling competition I have won so it's fantastic. I didn't do much to celebrate but I did order in a pizza.

"I have no idea what my chances are in the Philippines. All I can do is my best. It would be fantastic to have a British winner but I'm looking to learn from the experience."

Kirsty, who moved to Islington earlier this year, battled it out with 65 other contestants over three rounds to take the prize. She had to model a vintage cocktail dress, a hand-made recycled eco-outfit and a traditional long evening gown.

"I came to Islington to further my modelling career. It is so much easier to get to castings and meetings.

"For the competition I made a bikini from leaves which I think impressed. I don't know what else clinched it. I think it was a mix of my looks, my personality and my commitment to the environment."

As Miss Earth England, Kirsty will fulfil a full year of responsibilities in promoting environmental awareness.

She said: "I have decided I will focus on young people and the environment. I want to raise awareness about environmental issues and educate young people on what they can do.

"The environment has become quite fashionable and people are more aware of the issues than ever so now is the perfect time to act. If I can make it fashionable among young people then I can make a difference as they are the future.